The art exhibit threads along hallways, into corners and into a room on the second floor of the Paradise.

EVERY TIME I VIEW the annual Student Exhibit at the Paradise Center for the Arts, I want to snatch several pieces from the walls for my art collection. I’m that impressed by the student art. And I’m not just saying that because I want to be nice and tell the kids they do a great job. My praise is genuine.

What I especially appreciate about this second floor show is the opportunity for students to put their art out there in a public venue. I expect one day the works of some of these artists will hang in the Paradise’s main floor galleries or in other galleries.

This photo shows part of high school student Audrey Petersen’s “Peacock Feathers” acrylic on canvas. Her art is currently displayed in the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery.

Already the Corey Lyn Creger Memorial Gallery in the Paradise is devoted to artwork by a high school student artist.

Student artist Faith created this cartoon style character.

Lots of variation in the art showcased on this wall.

Roosevelt Elementary fifth grader Jose painted this portrait.

It’s reaffirming for young people to have their talents validated and appreciated, whether on the floor of a basketball court, the stage of a theater or in the hallways and rooms of an art center. All too often the arts lag behind sports in societal importance. Arts are to be valued, too.

To the students from the nine Faribault schools—Roosevelt, Jefferson, Lincoln, Faribault Middle School, Faribault Area Learning Center, Faribault Lutheran School, Cannon River STEM School, Divine Mercy and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind—with artwork on display, thank you. I enjoyed your creativity.

So much creativity…

This skull art by Faribault Middle School eighth grader Bailey features symmetry.

The variety of subjects and artist styles and mediums impresses.

I see a lot of potential as these artists continue to grow and learn.

Bold, vivid art by students from Divine Mercy Catholic School.

FYI: The Student Exhibit will be on display until April 1 at the Paradise, 321 Central, in downtown Faribault.

Please check back for a story on art created by students from the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind.

What lovely, bright color! You might have guessed, the nature pieces are my favorites! I especially found interesting, the big sun and trees, alongside a city building scene. I would love to sit with these kids and see what’s going on in those creative minds.